Introduction

Steve Curtin (Vidle Housing):

Hello, everyone! Welcome to Key Tips for Healthcare Travelers When Securing Housing. Thank you so much for joining us today. I’m Steve Curtin, President of Vidle Housing, and I’m joined by our Director of Marketing, Stephanie Angelino, and our VP of Strategic Partnerships, Taylor Miebach.

We’re thrilled to partner with White Glove Placement to share insights that make a difference for healthcare travelers — whether you’re brand new to travel nursing or a seasoned pro.

Today, we’ll cover ten key tips to help you find the best, safest, and most cost-effective housing for your travel assignments. This session is designed to give you tools and confidence to make every move smoother.

Let’s dive right in.

Tip #1 – Start Your Housing Search Early

Steve:

The very first piece of advice — and it may sound obvious, but it’s often overlooked — is to start your housing search early. Ideally, you want to begin looking four to six weeks before your start date.

Even better, as soon as you’ve accepted or are considering an assignment in a specific city or region, start browsing housing options right away. Many travelers wait until the last minute, only to discover that the best options have already been booked.

Demand can be high, especially for housing near hospitals or major healthcare hubs, and you may also be competing with vacationers, digital nomads, or others seeking short-term rentals. Starting early gives you time to compare neighborhoods, check reviews, and lock in better rates.

Taylor:

That’s right. I’m based in Denver, and seasonality is a huge factor here. In the summer, for example, occupancy rates can easily hit 90% because everyone’s traveling to hike or enjoy the outdoors. So even if you’re months away from your start date, get a feel for availability and pricing.

Steve:

Exactly. Research, plan, and don’t be afraid to “favorite” listings to compare later. Think about your next assignment even while you’re finishing your current one. You’ll thank yourself later.

Tip #2 – Plan Your Budget Wisely

Steve: Our second tip is all about budgeting — beyond just rent.

Of course, you’ll have a number in mind for your housing costs, but what many travelers forget to include are ancillary expenses — those smaller costs that add up quickly. For example: groceries, gas, parking fees, laundry, or even meal delivery when you’re too exhausted to cook after a shift.

Since you’ll likely have access to a kitchen in a midterm rental, you can save a lot by planning and cooking most of your meals. But it’s still smart to budget realistically — especially when prices are higher across the board.

Another often-forgotten category? Fun.

Yes, fun deserves a line item in your budget. Travel healthcare is demanding, and you’re often far from home. Exploring your new city, trying local restaurants, visiting landmarks, or taking weekend trips can make your experience so much richer. Plan for it so you can enjoy guilt-free downtime.

Taylor:

Totally. And don’t forget to check details like parking arrangements before booking. In some cities, street parking is limited or expensive, and some hosts charge extra for private spaces. If you’re traveling with a partner or another nurse, check how many spaces you’ll get.

Small things like parking, key deposits, or additional guest fees can sneak up on you, so ask upfront. These hidden costs can make a big difference in your overall budget.

Tip #3 – Research the Neighborhood

Steve:

This is a big one: always research the neighborhood before committing to a rental.

It’s easy to focus only on the photos of the apartment or house itself, but what’s around it is just as important. Safety, convenience, and accessibility matter a lot when you’re working long hours in an unfamiliar city.

Look for:

1. Proximity to your facility – ideally a short commute
2. Nearby amenities – grocery stores, gyms, laundromats, or coffee shops
3. Transportation options – public transit, safe walking routes, or parking availability

At Vidle Housing, we include neighborhood safety ratings and details about proximity to hospitals on our listings, but you can also use online maps or local community groups for more insights.

Taylor:

And remember — every traveler is different. Some want a quiet, suburban setting; others want the energy of downtown. If fitness is part of your routine, make sure there’s a gym nearby that accepts your membership, or find local parks or trails.

Steve:

Exactly. Don’t just rely on photos — verify what’s nearby. There’s nothing worse than arriving and realizing your “five-minute drive” is actually a 25-minute commute in traffic, or the grocery store is miles away. Planning ahead eliminates surprises.

Tip #4 – Know What’s Included in the Property

Steve:

When you’re looking at a rental, it’s easy to assume that everything you’ll need is already included — but that’s not always the case. So, read the property details carefully and confirm what’s actually provided.

For example, is there a washer and dryer on-site? That’s a huge convenience, and if it’s missing, you’ll be spending extra time and money at a laundromat. Is Wi-Fi included? What about bedding, towels, or kitchen essentials?

On our Vidle Housing platform, hosts have checklists showing exactly what’s provided and what’s not — and we strongly recommend verifying all of this before booking. The goal is to avoid surprises.

If you have special needs or preferences — maybe a certain pillow type or kitchen appliance — don’t hesitate to ask your host directly. Most are happy to clarify or accommodate when possible.

Taylor:

That’s right. And don’t forget about parking or access details. Some listings show parking spots in photos that aren’t actually included for guests, or they may charge extra for them. Also, confirm key or fob policies — replacement costs can vary.

A lot of hosts keep an internal “inventory list.” If you’re curious about small things like what kind of coffee maker they have or what cleaning supplies are stocked, just ask! Communication before move-in saves headaches later.

Steve:

Exactly. When you’re staying somewhere for 13 weeks or longer, you want to feel at home — not discover halfway through that you’re missing something essential. So, take five minutes to confirm those details upfront.

Tip #5 – Make Sure the Landlord Is Vetted

Steve:

This one is critical: make sure your landlord or host is verified and vetted.

Unfortunately, rental scams do happen — especially in private listings or social media housing groups. We’ve seen far too many healthcare travelers lose money or arrive at a “rental” that doesn’t even exist.

The safest approach is to book through a verified, trusted platform. Platforms like ours conduct background checks, ID verification, and host screenings to protect travelers. When you deal directly with an unknown person online, you’re assuming all the risk.

If anyone ever asks you for wire transfers, Zelle, Venmo, or cash deposits outside of an official booking system — that’s a red flag. Keep all payments and communication within the platform.

Taylor:

Absolutely. And don’t rush into a booking just because something looks like a good deal. If a listing feels “too good to be true,” it probably is.

Give yourself enough time to communicate with the host, ask questions, and get a feel for how responsive they are. You’re going to be relying on this person if something breaks, so responsiveness matters.

Steve:

Great point. Vetting is peace of mind. It’s not just about avoiding scams — it’s also about knowing the host will support you if issues come up during your stay.

Tip #6 – Read the Policies Before You Book

Steve:

Just like reviewing your travel contract, you need to read and understand the housing policies before you finalize anything. Every platform or property will have terms for things like:

1. Deposit and refund rules
2. Utilities and fees
3. Cancellation and extension policies

Make sure you know what happens if your assignment gets canceled or changed — that’s a common scenario in healthcare travel.

You don’t want to assume you’ll get your deposit back, only to learn it’s non-refundable. Always double-check before committing.

Taylor:

Exactly. It’s tempting to skim the fine print, but this is your housing contract — treat it seriously. Take a few minutes to read it line by line. If something doesn’t make sense, ask the host or platform to explain it clearly before booking.

Steve:

And remember, once you sign or click “book,” you’re agreeing to those terms. So being thorough now can save you from stressful misunderstandings later.

Tip #7 – Consider Your Commute Carefully

Steve:

This one’s simple but hugely important — always consider your commute.

When you’re evaluating housing options, don’t just look at the rent or the photos. Think about your daily reality. You’re going to be traveling to and from your facility, often after long shifts, so proximity and travel time make a big difference.

If a property looks perfect but it’s 30 minutes away with heavy traffic, that commute can quickly wear you down. Try to balance affordability and comfort with convenience.

Ideally, aim for housing within 10–20 minutes of your facility whenever possible.

Taylor:

Exactly. And if you’re working in a larger city, don’t just trust the map’s mileage — check the actual commute time at your shift hours. A drive that’s 15 minutes in the middle of the day could easily turn into 45 minutes during rush hour.

If you’re not bringing a car, research public transit options, rideshare costs, or scooter/bike availability. Some cities have great transit systems; others don’t. Ask hosts if they know about nearby stops or parking situations, especially for night shifts.

Steve:

Right. We’ve even seen travelers map out multiple routes ahead of time — that’s a great practice. And remember, if you’re relying on rideshare or car rentals, those costs should also factor into your housing decision.

A good commute doesn’t just save time — it saves your energy and sanity after a 12-hour shift.

Tip #8 – Inspect and Document Upon Arrival

Steve:

Our next tip is something many people overlook: inspect the property as soon as you arrive.

Treat it like renting a car. Before you unpack, take a few minutes to walk through every room and check for damages or issues — anything from a scratch on the wall to a broken appliance.

Take photos or a short video for your records. It protects you from being blamed for preexisting damage later and also ensures you can report issues right away.

Taylor:

Yes, and it doesn’t have to take long. Spend 10 minutes checking key things like:

1. Appliances (stove, microwave, washer/dryer)
2. Lights and outlets
3. Air conditioning or heating
4. Water pressure and plumbing
5. Locks on windows and doors

If you notice anything off, notify your host or property manager immediately. That not only documents it but usually gets it fixed faster.

Steve:

Exactly. Most hosts are great about resolving things quickly — they want happy tenants. But if you wait weeks to mention a broken item, it’s harder to prove it wasn’t you. So, inspect, document, and communicate right away.

Tip #9 – Prioritize Personal Safety

Steve:

This one can’t be stressed enough: your personal safety is number one.

You’re often traveling to new areas, sometimes across the country, and may not be familiar with the surroundings. Take steps to keep yourself safe before and during your stay.

Here are a few essentials:

1. Share your travel plans with a friend or family member before you go.
2. Keep your phone charged and carry a portable charger.
3. Inspect your locks — make sure doors and windows close securely.
4. Trust your instincts. If you arrive somewhere and something doesn’t feel right — leave. Don’t try to “tough it out.”

Taylor:

And if you’re driving to your new assignment, get your car checked before the trip — oil, tires, brakes, everything. You don’t want breakdowns halfway through a cross-country move.

It’s also a good idea to carry jumper cables, a flashlight, and a small first aid kit.

If you’re walking or commuting late at night, stick to well-lit areas and consider a personal safety alarm like a Birdie or similar device.

Steve:

Yes — we even recommend keeping a small overnight bag packed in case you ever need to leave your housing quickly for any reason (for example, if maintenance issues make it unsafe to stay).

Your safety always comes first. Housing can be replaced — you can’t.

Tip #10 – Consider Renter’s Insurance

Steve:

The final tip is one that many travelers overlook — get renter’s insurance.

Even if your housing is fully furnished, renter’s insurance gives you peace of mind. It typically covers personal belongings (like your laptop or clothing) and sometimes temporary housing if your unit becomes unlivable due to something like a burst pipe or fire.

The good news is that most renter’s insurance policies are very affordable — often $10–20 a month — and can be customized for short-term stays.

Taylor:

That’s right. You might not think you’ll need it, but things happen. A water leak, theft, or damage can cause major headaches, and renter’s insurance helps you recover quickly. It’s about protecting your investment and minimizing stress while you’re focused on work.

Steve:

Exactly. And if your assignment extends, most policies can easily be adjusted month to month. It’s a small cost for big security.

Closing Remarks

Steve:

That wraps up our Top 10 Tips for Healthcare Travelers When Securing Housing.

To quickly recap:

1. Start your housing search early.
2. Plan a realistic budget.
3. Research the neighborhood.
4. Know what’s included in the property.
5. Make sure the landlord is vetted.
6. Read the policies before you book.
7. Consider your commute carefully.
8. Inspect and document upon arrival.
9. Prioritize personal safety.
10. Get renter’s insurance.

Each of these tips helps make your housing experience smoother, safer, and less stressful — and ensures you can focus on what truly matters: your work and well-being.

We know how challenging healthcare travel can be. You’re moving to new cities, working long shifts, and balancing logistics that most people don’t even think about. That’s why Vidle Housing exists — to make one major part of your journey easier.

We’re proud to partner with White Glove Placement, an organization that values its nurses and travelers deeply, to bring you this kind of educational content.

Audience Q&A Highlights

Stephanie:

We received a few great questions from attendees — let’s go through a couple of them quickly.

Question: Is there a fee to use Vidle Housing?

Steve:

No — there’s no fee for travelers. Vidle Housing is completely free to use. Our hosts pay a small service fee to list their properties, but travelers only pay for the rental itself.

Question: How can I ensure pet-friendly housing?

Taylor:

Yes! Many of our listings are pet-friendly. You can filter for that when searching. Just be sure to ask hosts about pet deposits or breed restrictions — those policies vary by property.

Question: Do you include hotel options or just furnished rentals?

Steve:

We primarily feature fully furnished apartments and homes designed for midterm (13+ week) stays. Some smaller hotels and extended-stay options also list through our platform, so there’s a mix available depending on your needs.

Question: Who pays for utilities?

Steve:

Most of the time, utilities are included in the rent — but it depends on the property. Always check the listing details to be sure.

Final Thank You

Steve:

Before we wrap up, I want to take a moment to say thank you to all of you — the healthcare travelers, nurses, and clinicians who joined us today.

Your work truly makes a difference, and we hope these insights help make your travel experience a little smoother and more rewarding.

And, of course, thank you to White Glove Placement for hosting this event and for everything you do to support healthcare professionals.

Taylor:

We appreciate you all — safe travels, and happy housing hunting!

Stephanie:

Thank you everyone for joining!

Clear about housing and ready to secure your next travel adventure?

We have thousands of travel healthcare positions to choose from, and there’s no better time than now. If you love quick, fast, and easy options, skip the search and contact the team to locate the job you want!